Every company in every sector is going digital. They are relying on new tools and technology - you just can't avoid it. Not that you'd want to.sentence permalink

+

Cloud computing, big data, social networking: all ways you can boost your business. Not just to save a few euros here or there, but to develop and expand and rethink.sentence permalink

+

Not just new apps and services, not just new platforms, but entirely new opportunities, entirely new business models.sentence permalink

+

These aren't the opportunities of the future. They are already here: the future starts today. And we must be in a position to take advantage.sentence permalink

+

So what do those services all need? They need digital capital. Fast broadband, secure systems, digital skills.sentence permalink

+

So having the right telecoms framework doesn't just concern the telcos. If you can benefit from those innovations — you should care about it too. That means all of you. From logistics to retail, from automotive to audiovisual, you all rely on digital tools; and you struggle if they are not available.sentence permalink

+

It's no longer just about the telecoms sector; it's no longer just about the ICT sector. It's about Europe´s growth and global position. Yet Europe lags behind while others take the digital dividend.sentence permalink

+

Why? Because of fragmentation: 28 different markets, 28 rulebooks, 28 referees, 28 mindsets. Broadband that stops at borders. And this matters to you.sentence permalink

+

It matters if you have to negotiate 28 contracts with 28 different suppliers to trade across the single market.sentence permalink

+

It matters if you can't get the connections for the cloud to work properly across the continent.sentence permalink

+

It matters if your employees travel, and their roaming bill costs more than their flight.sentence permalink

1

It matters if you aren't offered competition, choice and services tailored to your needs.sentence permalink

+

It matters if your supplier cannot assure the broadband quality or the security you need.sentence permalink

New possibilities for specialised services to underpin data-intensive services like cloud computing or videoconferencing. A balanced approach that safeguards the open internet, and allows all to benefit from innovative new services.sentence permalink

The single market is Europe´s crown jewel. Every day, businesses and citizens take advantage of it, without borders, without barriers: sometimes even without noticing. Now they need the telecoms networks to complete the jigsaw. That is what we are trying to deliver you, European businesses and European citizens. I hope legislators can agree to achieve that boost.sentence permalink

The more you rely on ICT for your business – the more you rely on it to be secure. Only with the right framework can we build trust online – and ensure your sensitive data doesn't go further than it should.sentence permalink

+

How?

It doesn't all need new laws. For example, standard contractual clauses or proper certification can help you trust your cloud computing service.sentence permalink

+

But sometimes we need legislation. Because ultimately, this open network can only be as strong as the weakest link in the chain. Every user: business, government, critical infrastructure provider – each one has responsibilities, and it's time they took them. A voluntary approach is not enough. Not any more.sentence permalink

+

Look at the facts. In just one year, over three quarters of small businesses, and 93% of large ones suffered cyber breaches.sentence permalink

+

Each one could cost up to €50 million: not to mention the reputational damage.sentence permalink

So we have proposed legislation: a Directive on network and information security. To safeguard this critical asset. It's no longer just optional – it's an economic essential.sentence permalink

+

And hers' the third thing you need. It's no good having fancy systems on fancy networks without the people to implement and use them. So we need to address the huge digital skills gap.sentence permalink

+

This a critical issue for you, and for all of us. And not just in the EU either.sentence permalink

+

The fact is: demand for new high-end ICT jobs is booming. Jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago are becoming fundamental to our economy. But supply is not rising to match. Soon there could be nearly one million unfilled vacancies.sentence permalink

+

If that continues, it could have catastrophic consequences for competitiveness.sentence permalink

+

But from that challenge, let´s make an opportunity. Today many face unemployment, especially the younger generation. The right skills can give them better opportunities.sentence permalink

+

We need to join forces to make this happen. It isn't just an issue for the ICT sector, nor for the EU Institutions – it's about opening up education, training, grassroots activity. It concerns every industry that depends on digital skills. Let´s work together, take it local, on the ground, and beyond one single sector.sentence permalink

+

So we launched a Grand Coalition for digital skills and jobs. With many organisations pledging to make a difference. From offering more traineeships – to teaching kids to code.sentence permalink

+

I am delighted so many organisations have been such active players. Including Cisco. And many national and regional initiatives too.sentence permalink

This could mean hundreds of thousands more people trained, and thousands more jobs filled.sentence permalink

+

But now we need more. We must turn commitments into action. And you can be part of it.sentence permalink

+

If you agree this is a problem – and you know how you can help – then commit, deliver, and take your responsibility!sentence permalink

+

Here's my final point to you today. Brussels can sometimes seem complex or distant. But it shouldn't!sentence permalink

+

Give us your input, take part, and we can create a better Europe together.sentence permalink

+

European lawmakers are accountable: elected members of the European Parliament , accountable ministers from your national government. They decide on issues from building online security, to taking down single market barriers.sentence permalink

+

And let me assure you of two things.

First, not everyone gets this. I realise how much digital tools matter: and so do you. The EU's national leaders have started to realise it too. But it has not sunk through to everyone. Only the other week, I spoke with one MEP, and he was amazed – he thought this was just an issue for telecoms; only now does he see it's about connected cars, better industrial processes , better retail and logistics, and much much more. They realise it about, say, energy or transport networks – but the message has not got through about digital.sentence permalink

+

Second: when you take the trouble to point this out, it makes a difference. I've seen that in so many areas. People need to understand the wider impact their decisions have - on businesses of every kind and colour.sentence permalink

+

This week we've already seen some big steps forward – with new EU legislation agreed on e-ID, to build trust and convenience online. And on cutting the cost of rolling out broadband networks. But there's far still to go.sentence permalink

+

So ask yourself: does this issue matter for you? Do you care about better broadband, fast seamless connectivity, secure networks, better digital capital in a connected continent?sentence permalink

+

If you do, make sure the right people know about it. Make sure they hear from you: not just from the usual suspects. Then all of us – you and they and I – can achieve what we all want: European competitiveness, growth and jobs.sentence permalink

+

The digital economy matters and digital tools can transform our world. Helping every European citizen, government and business. I think you agree with it too. So let's start making that case.sentence permalink